The Ibanez CP-830 Compressor is a vintage analog compressor pedal, described by the reference site TONEHOME as "one of the clearest and most transparent analog optical-style compressors ever made"1. It was built in the late 1970s and early 1980s as part of Ibanez's narrow box series with the round switch, and it has never been reissued1. Original examples are rated rare and of high collectibility, prized for what TONEHOME calls their "chimey sustain and low noise floor"1.
What it does
The CP-830 is an optical-style compressor, a design in which a light-dependent element controls the gain reduction rather than a voltage-controlled amplifier. TONEHOME's verdict on the circuit is unusually strong for a neutral reference: the pedal is "widely regarded as one of the clearest and most transparent analog optical-style compressors ever made"1. For a player, that places it in the camp of compressors that level out dynamics and add sustain without noticeably coloring the guitar's basic tone, which is why collectors seek it out for its chimey sustain and quiet background1.
If you are looking at compressors more broadly, the CP-830 belongs to the family covered on the Compressor Pedals page. Later Ibanez compressors took the idea in different directions: the Ibanez CP9 Compressor/Limiter followed in the 9 Series from 1982, and the Ibanez CP-835 Compressor II sat alongside the CP-830 in the 0 Series1.
Versions and production history
TONEHOME records three versions of the CP-8301. The first issue belongs to Ibanez's First Series, which TONEHOME dates to a 1976 to 1977 production period2. The narrow box version with the round switch, the one most players mean by "CP-830", was produced from 1978 to 19801.
| Version | Series | Production | Power jack |
|---|---|---|---|
| v1 | First Series | 1976 to 1977 | 2 |
| v2 | Narrow box series | 1978 | Without power jack1 |
| v3 | Narrow box series | 1979 | With power jack1 |
The narrow box CP-830 was produced from 1978 to 1980, and version 2 from 1978 lacks a power jack. That matters if you are buying: an early unit will need battery power or a modification to run from a supply1.
What it cost when new
The documented list prices come from the German market, so they are in Deutsche Marks rather than dollars. The First Series version carried a list price of 155 DM in 19772. The narrow box version was listed at 158 DM in 1979 and 110 DM in 19801.
Rarity and collectibility
Schematic and documentation
For anyone servicing an original unit, TONEHOME hosts a schematic PDF for the CP-830 on its First Series product page, a document of 521.5 KB1. The same page carries the pedal's documentation, and TONEHOME's narrow box page links the schematic download as well1.
Videos
Johnny Guitarist
Questions
Has the Ibanez CP-830 been reissued?
No. TONEHOME, the reference site for vintage Ibanez effects, lists the CP-830 as never having been re-issued. The pedal was produced during the late 1970s and early 1980s, and any CP-830 on the market today is an original unit from that era. That also means repairs and parts depend on the surviving stock of used pedals rather than factory support.
How many versions of the Ibanez CP-830 are there?
TONEHOME lists three versions. The first issue belongs to Ibanez's First Series. Version 2, from 1978, came without a power jack, and version 3, from 1979, added one. The best-known examples sit in the narrow box series with the round switch, produced from 1978 to 1980.
What did the Ibanez CP-830 cost when it was new?
The documented list prices are in German marks, since TONEHOME records them from the German market. The First Series version carried a list price of 155 DM in 1977. The narrow box version was listed at 158 DM in 1979 and 110 DM in 1980.
Is the Ibanez CP-830 rare?
Yes. TONEHOME rates the CP-830's availability as rare and its collectibility as high. Combined with the fact that it was never reissued, original examples are sought after by collectors, particularly for the pedal's transparent optical compression and low noise floor.
Where can I find a schematic for the Ibanez CP-830?
TONEHOME hosts a schematic PDF for the CP-830 on its product page for the First Series version, available as a download of about 521.5 KB. The same page also carries the pedal's documentation, which is useful for anyone servicing or repairing an original unit.
Is the Ibanez CP-830 analog?
Yes. TONEHOME describes the CP-830 as an analog optical-style compressor, and singles it out as one of the clearest and most transparent of that type ever made. Optical compressors use a light-dependent element to control gain, which is the design behind the pedal's clean, uncolored compression.
